An agressive flu strain is spreading quickly across the country. Hospitals from coast to coast are being forced to divert patients from their overcrowded emergency rooms.

"I can't say it enough," Boston Mayor Thomas Menino said. "Please all of everyone out there, get to the health centers where you can get you flu shot."

This winter has had the earliest and worst outbreak of deadly flu virus in a decade.

Positive cases of influenza in the U.S. rose 60 percent during the last week of December.

In the week ending on Dec. 29, 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported there were 2,961 positive influenza test results out of 9,363 specimens nationwide, or 31.6 percent. Near the Great Lakes, the hardest-hit region, reports nearly 60 percent of those who were checked tested positive for the flu.

Got my shot Dec. 7th. Been getting one every year for the last 9-10 years. Odd thing about this years shot, though. Usually my shoulder aches for a few days after the shot. This time it hardly ached at all.

I got my flu shot in October and it did NOT work. I came down with a physician confirmed case of the flu last week, and am just now getting over it. The current medical spin is that the vaccine does not necessarily guarantee that you won't get the flu, but that it will lessen the symptoms.

I’ve never gotten the flu shot and I’ve never gotten the flu. It may have something to do with the military rebuilding my immune system when I was a kid, I don’t know. I keep my hands clean, avoid touching inanimate objects if I don’t have to and generally stay healthy. It’s worked well so far.

The idea of vaccine protecting the public is to create a kind of firewall against infection. It doesn’t work as well for individuals, but you were immunized for a lot of infections just by having so many people immunized. So if half of the vaccines work for a particular pathogen, it works.

Usually my shoulder aches for a few days after the shot. This time it hardly ached at all. Got a flu shot in boot camp (mid 60s) that caused my arm to really hurt for a full day. I put off getting a flu shot for ten years because of that memory.However, since the mid 70s, I've never had one that hurt.

Wasn’t there a recall or something? I remember that my pharmacy, which gives shots, stopped for a while. Maybe it was the “delivery system?” They might have been using those “airgun” things. Anyway, what I do recall was that something wasn’t effective.

I got my flu shot in October and it did NOT work. I came down with a physician confirmed case of the flu last week, and am just now getting over it. The current medical spin is that the vaccine does not necessarily guarantee that you won’t get the flu, but that it will lessen the symptoms.

No, there is no money back guarantee it will prevent you from getting it. There has NEVER been a guarantee it will prevent it. But it can still reduce the severity of it if someone gets it. That can mean the difference between surviving or dying for the elderly.

Yeah, I’m an ER doc. We are crushed with flu patients. Guess what folks, 99 times out of 100 THERES NOTHING WE CAN DO FOR YOU. Unless its a kid under 2, over 70, pregnant or immunocompromised they don’t even recommend Tamiflu.
So STAY HOME, DRINK LOTS OF LIQUIDS AND TAKE SOME TYLENOL OR MOTRIN.

25
posted on 01/10/2013 8:17:23 AM PST
by Kozak
(The Republic is dead. I do not owe what we have any loyalty, wealth or sympathy.)

From what I have heard they guessed right on this seasons flu strain. I got my shot this morning. no pain no ache. Hardly felt the needle = it was the normal type needle - not that new shorter one. $32 at CVS.

29
posted on 01/10/2013 8:19:33 AM PST
by Red_Devil 232
(VietVet - USMC All Ready On The Right? All Ready On The Left? All Ready On The Firing Line!)

Got my shot Dec. 7th. Been getting one every year for the last 9-10 years. Odd thing about this years shot, though. Usually my shoulder aches for a few days after the shot. This time it hardly ached at all.

This is anecdotal; however, I noticed the same thing.

35
posted on 01/10/2013 8:24:29 AM PST
by Ingtar
(Everyone complains about the weather, but only Liberals try to legislate it.)

A high fever started on Christmas Eve and lasted a week before breaking, and the next week I continued recuperating. This seems to be one of those twofers, or two episodes for the price of one. The congestion tries to move into the chest, making breathing more difficult. So, for some folks it may be wise to not get too rambunctious and risk another round of fever until the chest congestion has also cleared.

Exactly. I don’t understand people that run to the Dr. for something viral like the cold or influenza (unless a complication arises). It just has to run its course. When I come down with something like that, I stay home and as far away from others as I can, to avoid spreading the virus.

I spent several hours in the ER this week. It was filled to the brim. I didn't want to go there, but I couldn't get into my Dr. Until Feb., the minor medicals were filled up and they didm’t even want to see me because I have Pulmonary Fibrosis and was running a 3 degree temp. First thing that they did was swab for the flu. Fortunately I only had Bronchitis which is dangerous for me.

50
posted on 01/10/2013 8:38:39 AM PST
by Coldwater Creek
(He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadows of the Almighty Psalm 91:)

Disclaimer:
Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual
posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its
management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the
exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.